Tribal Heritage and Knotting Tradition

This vintage rug is a fine example of Turkoman tribal artistry. Originating in the nomadic heartlands between Merv and Mazar-i-Sharif, it represents the Ersari, one of the ten major Turkmen tribes of Central Asia. The Ersari are known for their robust construction and their iconic geometric Gül motifs — the octagonal tribal medallions that march in rows across the field.

This piece was hand-knotted in northern Afghanistan, c. 1960s–1970s, from 100% pure virgin wool on a cotton-and-wool foundation. The field carries eight large octagonal Güls on a deep rust-red ground; what sets this rug apart is its unusually rich, above-average border system — a wide cassette frame of square panels, each holding a star rosette or medallion in light blue, ivory, olive-green and indigo, surrounded by further meander and floral guard stripes.

Colour and Composition

The base colour shifts gracefully between brick and rust depending on the light. Against this warm ground, the multiple borders bring an unusually lively palette for a Turkoman piece: soft light blue, ivory, olive-green and deep indigo animate the cassette panels and star rosettes, with touches of salmon and madder red. The pile is dense pure wool with the deep, slightly lustrous handle of well-spun highland wool.

The Heritage of the “Gentlemen’s Carpet”

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ersari rugs became famously known as “Gentlemen’s Carpets.” They were the preferred choice for the mahogany-clad libraries and smoking rooms of British villas and estates. Their warm earth tones and powerful, octagonal Gül patterns provided the perfect backdrop for evenings of fine cigars and conversation — a tradition of timeless comfort that still resonates today.

Presence in the Room

At 293 × 215 cm (6.3 m²) this is a generous large-format rug. Three contexts in which it reaches its full effect:

• Library or study: the original home of the Gentlemen’s Carpet — pairing with leather, dark wood and books.
• Living room: grounding a sofa group, the rust-red ground and lively borders add warmth and tribal character.
• Modern or industrial interior: the geometric Güls and rich borders provide a striking organic contrast to concrete, steel and reduced contemporary furniture.

Specifications

Responsible Sourcing · Label STEP

Djoharian is a Label STEP certified dealer for fair-trade knotted rugs — a commitment to dignified working conditions and against child labour in rug production. Visit the Label STEP entry for Djoharian Teppiche →

Djoharian — Since 1967

With roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade, Djoharian has specialised in antique, tribal and designer rugs since 1967.

Service and Delivery

Every piece in the Djoharian Collection is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main, professionally washed and shipped with a certificate of authenticity. We offer secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.